Four days of intensive steam action will see an impressive line-up of home fleet and visiting locomotives take to the tracks at Great Central Railway’s annual Autumn Steam Gala from 1 – 4 October.
The Great Central Railway (GCR) is preparing for four days of steam-filled action as its annual Autumn Steam Gala returns with a special ‘Little & Large Gala’ theme, celebrating the remarkable variety of steam locomotives – from some of the smallest engines in operation to larger and more powerful machines.
The event will feature an intensive timetable of passenger, goods and double-headed trains, offering visitors the chance to see an impressive selection of locomotives from different eras and industries in operation on the UK’s only double-track main line heritage railway.
Three visiting locomotives are set to join the Great Central Railway’s home fleet, subject to availability. Among them will be GWR Saddle Tank No. 813, appearing with thanks to the Severn Valley Railway and the GWR 813 Preservation Fund. Built by Hudswell Clarke in 1900 for the Port Talbot Railway, the diminutive locomotive is renowned as one of the smallest engines operating on the Severn Valley Railway, making it a perfect fit for this year’s ‘Little & Large’ theme.
Also making the journey to the GCR will be No. 7232 Sentinel ‘Ann’, appearing with thanks to Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Callum Porter and Chris Boocock. Built by Sentinel in Shrewsbury in 1927, the locomotive showcases the innovative engineering of a company better known for its steam-powered road vehicles, providing a fascinating contrast to the larger locomotives appearing at the Gala.
LMS 16440 is due to appear thanks to Midland Railway Trust Ltd, subject to availability following repairs. The LMS 3F locomotive was built in 1926 by the North British Locomotive Company in Glasgow, adding another distinctive chapter to the Gala’s celebration of steam engineering.
Alongside the visiting engines, the GCR’s home fleet will be out in force throughout the event, with an intensive programme designed to provide plenty of opportunities to see locomotives in action – including passenger, goods and double-headed workings.
Malcolm Holmes, General Manager at Great Central Railway, said: “The Autumn Steam Gala is always a highlight of the GCR calendar, but this year’s ‘Little & Large’ theme gives us a particularly exciting opportunity to showcase just how varied steam locomotive design could be. From the compact Sentinel ‘Ann’ and diminutive GWR 813 through to the larger members of our home fleet, there will be a fantastic contrast in size, design and engineering for visitors to enjoy.
“We’re incredibly grateful to the organisations and individuals who have made it possible for these visiting locomotives to join us. Combined with our own fleet, the intensive timetable should make this a memorable four days for enthusiasts, photographers and families alike.”
Away from the locomotives, visitors will be able to explore the GCR’s beautifully restored stations and on-site museums, while enjoying food and drink across the railway. The event will also provide opportunities to get closer to the railway’s heritage and experience the sights, sounds and atmosphere of a working heritage railway.
With visiting engines, home fleet favourites and an intensive programme of passenger and goods services, the Autumn Steam Gala promises a celebration of heritage steam with plenty of variety – whether visitors are lifelong railway enthusiasts or simply looking for a memorable day out.
For more information and to book tickets, please visit: https://www.gcrailway.co.uk/
Image credit: Kenny Felstead
